COSHH - Sodium Hypochlorite Solution (Household Bleach)

COSHH RISK ASSESSMENT


Substance: Household Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite Solution)

Use: Disinfection and cleaning of toilets, sinks, and waste areas

Location: Clinical treatment room sink, staff toilet, and general utility areas

Assessor: Owen Dickinson

Date: 01st April 2025

Review Date: 01st April 2026 + 12 months or if procedures/products change

 

 

 

 

  1. Hazard Identification

    Substance Name

    Active Ingredient

    Hazard Classification

    Household Bleach

    Sodium Hypochlorite (typically 3–5%)

    Corrosive (C), Irritant (Xi), Dangerous to Aquatic Life

Hazard Statements (CLP):

• H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage

• H400: Very toxic to aquatic life

• Reacts with acids to release chlorine gas (toxic inhalation risk)

 

 

2. Routes of Exposure

• Skin – burns or irritation upon contact

• Eyes – corrosive, risk of permanent damage

• Inhalation – of vapours, especially in confined, unventilated spaces

• Ingestion – harmful or fatal if swallowed

 

 

3. Who Might Be Harmed?

• Staff undertaking cleaning

• Aesthetics staff using the area after cleaning

• Clients (indirect risk if residues remain or fumes linger)

 

 

4. Control Measures

Area

Control Measures

Storage

- Store in original container with label intact- Keep in locked cleaning cupboard away from treatment areas- Do not store near acids or incompatible chemicals- Store upright and out of sunlight

Handling/Use

- Always dilute according to manufacturer’s instructions- Never mix with other chemicals, especially acids or ammonia- Wear PPE: gloves, apron, goggles for splash risk- Use only in well-ventilated areas

Spill Management

- Small spills: absorb with paper towel, rinse area- Ventilate and clean thoroughly- Large spills: restrict access, wear PPE, follow spill protocol

Disposal

- Small volumes: flush down drain with large volumes of water (in line with Water Authority guidance)- Empty containers: rinse and dispose in general waste if allowed, or as per local authority requirements

Training

- All staff using the product trained on dilution, handling, and emergency procedures- SDS readily accessible in COSHH file

 

 

5. First Aid Measures

• Skin contact: Remove affected clothing, rinse skin thoroughly for 10–15 minutes

• Eye contact: Flush eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes, seek immediate medical help

• Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek help if symptoms persist

• Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek urgent medical help

 

 

6. Emergency Procedures

• Ensure eye wash and clean water are easily accessible

• In case of toxic gas release (e.g., mixing bleach with acids), evacuate area and ventilate

• Report any incident using internal incident report system and externally under RIDDOR if necessary

 

 

7. Risk Rating (Post-Control)

Risk

Likelihood

Severity

Residual Risk

Skin Burns

Unlikely

Moderate

Low with PPE use

Eye Damage

Unlikely

Severe

Low

Inhalation of Gas

Very Unlikely

Severe

Very Low with controls

Environmental Contamination

Unlikely

Moderate

Low with proper disposal

 

8. Monitoring and Review

• Annual COSHH review or upon change in product/supplier

• Regular audits of cleaning practice and PPE use

• Clear signage and access control for chemical storage